Questions to Ask Your Child About School

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At a Glance

Ask open-ended questions instead of questions that can be answered with yes or no.

Ask questions about times when your child socializes with other kids, like lunch and recess.

When your child comes home on the first few days of school—or throughout the school year—you may have lots of questions for her. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re talking to your child about school.

Try to ask open-ended questions to keep a conversation going. If you ask your child questions that can be answered with one word (yes, no, a name), then you’ll probably get a one-word response.

Often kids are not specific, so you have to ask for specific information when you want it.

Starting with factual questions is a great way to ease into conversation. (“I know your class size is bigger this year than last year. What’s that like?”)

Avoiding emotion-packed words (happy, sad, mean) can help the conversation go on longer.

Was there anything you wish you had at school that you didn’t have today?

Were the kids in your class nice?

Who did you enjoy talking with the most?

Did anyone have anything fun or interesting to talk about?

Did you get your schedule?

Which days look best on your schedule?

Are your friends in your classes?

Tell me two kids you remember from each class.

Was the work hard?

What was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in ____ today?

Your child might experience social problems with other kids during times that are less structured. That could include periods like recess and lunch, and during transitions from room to room. Asking questions about these times can give you an idea about your child’s social circumstances.

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